Stainless steel sculpture

79.7 × 81 × 48.7 cm. 31 3/8 x 31 7/8 x 19 1/8 in.

Signed in Chinese, dated, and numbered on the bottom of the right leg
Edition: 8/8

EXHIBITED (different edition)
19 Sep 2009 – 31 Aug 2010, Ju Ming Living World Series – Swimming New Works Exhibition, Juming Museum, New Taipei City
1 Jun – 1 Jul 2010, Living World Series – Swimming, Landmark, Hong Kong
23 Oct – 20 Nov 2010, Ju Ming Living World Series – Swimming (Stainless Steel), Kalos Gallery, Taipei
28 Feb – 15 Jun 2014, Ju Ming – Sculpting the Living World, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong

PROVENANCE
Kalos Gallery, Taipei
Private Collection, Asia

This work is accompanied by a certification of authenticity issued by Kalos Gallery, Taipei

The Comprehensive Expression of the Universe Lies in the Living World
Ju Ming’s Worldly Human Figures
From the Nativist Series which embodies religious interpretation and local color, Ju Ming has developed the Taichi Series, which takes its root in Chinese culture while representing the universal culture through the Chinese tradition of signification. From the religious imagery to the powerful sculpture conveying the yin-yang philosophy, and the exploration of the universe, humanities and life inherited from Chinese literati in ancient times, Ju Ming’s works are as full of vitality as his inclusive thoughts. Such vitality and relentless enthusiasm for the exploration of life have led him to the center of the art world, New York, in 1981.
Two years later, Ju returned with the Living World Series, which boldly explores various visual representations of different materials and compositions, and tells the stories of all walks of life as the preface of a novel. The presented works, Swimming (Lot 759) and Babblers (Lot 760), are two representatives of the Living World Series.
A Beautiful Figure in the Ocean of Crowds
In Swimming, a woman sits down on her knees with two legs together, her back straight and slightly leaning forward. She stretched her arms at both sides and gently rolled up her fingers, which are only half inch away from the floor. The posture appears as if a child balancing his body when learning bicycle. With her hair bound up, her chin close to the chest, the female figure radiates ease and content, reminiscent of the tranquility and refinement of the tea ceremony, while representing the beauty of an unsophisticated girl, modest and courteous.
Ju Ming employs stainless steel as the material, which reflects the surroundings after being polished. The dazzling metallic luster integrates with the reflected light, blending into a splendid color. It sets off the delicate texture of the girl’s skin and curves, which turn out lither and more graceful.
Gossiping Women that Tell the Stories of All Walks of Life
In Babblers, the woman on the left with yellow hair and plump body wears a purple swimsuit and holds a white umbrella, sitting with her knees bent. Her mouth is slightly open as if she is about to say something. On the right, another woman, with a small face, flying orange hair and red earrings, is dressed in a pine-green swimsuit. She leans back with two hands on the ground, legs crossed and the left leg against the woman in front. A few freehand brushstrokes bring lively color as well as lives to the female figures. The vivid depiction places the viewer on the beach, where the breeze is gentle, the sun is radiant, and the sound of waves is whistling in the ear. With no concealment, a lively scene of tittle-tattle is thus unfolded.

Price estimate:
HKD: 380,000 - 480,000
USD: 48,700 - 61,500

Auction Result:
HKD: --